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Johan Cruyff passes away at 68

The former Barça great, both as player and manager, died on Thursday, 24 March after a long battle with cancer

Johan Cruyff during an event hosted by the club / VÍCTOR SALGADO - FCB

FC Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff passed away on Thursday 24 March following a long battle with cancer.

Cruyff arrived at the club in August 1973 from Ajax, renowned as one of the best players in the world. Barça soon began to reap the rewards as the Dutch magician helped Barça to the league title in his first season, and went on to win his second and third Ballon d’Or. With his intelligent play, superb technique and leadership, he quickly became an icon for Barça.

His acrobatic strike against Atlético Madrid and the 5-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in 1974, among many other great moments, will live long in the memory of Barça fans. In 1978, after winning the Copa del Rey, Cruyff left the club.

Ten years later, however, he would return as manager. He was in the dugout for eight seasons, during which time he led the club through its most successful ever period up until that point. He won four consecutive league titles and guided the club to its first ever European Cup in May 1992 at Wembley, among other successes. He formed the side that would go onto be known as the legendary ‘Dream Team’, a team that amazed everyone with their extraordinary style.

In 1996, he left the Barça bench, and in 1999 was chosen as the player of the century in Europe. He was a figure actively involved with Catalonia too, and in September 2006, the Government of Catalonia awarded him with the Cross of St. George, and he later became the manager of the Catalan national football team.